The Navatu people, originating from Ra, Fiji, claim their ancestry from the sacred Uluinavatu rock hill, now part of the Rakiraki district. According to tribal elder Josateki Narema, their forebearers were known as kai wai, or people of the sea, recognized for their exceptional navigation skills that allowed them to interpret the elements of nature for their voyages.
Despite their rich heritage tied closely to the ocean, the Navatu found themselves forced from their ancestral lands during the pre-colonial period due to invading diseases brought by European explorers, which severely diminished the Indigenous population. Consequently, the tribe migrated along the Nakorotubu coast, settling in various villages, including Nasau, Namuriwai, Veidrala, and Verevere, with the gracious aid of the Bureiwai chief.
Following Fiji’s cession to Great Britain in 1874, the elders of Navatu aspired to return to their ancestral lands in Raviravi. However, colonial authorities prevented their return, relegating the land to Crown Grant status. Through these hardships, the Navatu managed to prosper under the guidance of their chief, Turaga na Tui Navatu, Ratu Nacanieli Nawaidranu. After acquiring a medical degree, Ratu Nacanieli launched initiatives aimed at achieving economic self-sufficiency for the tribe, starting with copra production and establishing a steam-engine ship called Uluinavatu, named after their homeland.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1920 when the Colonial Sugar Refining Company encouraged Indigenous Fijians to engage in sugarcane farming. Ratu Nacanieli seized this opportunity, leading the establishment of Fiji’s first Indigenous sugarcane farming community in Tovatova, alongside the participation of other tribes through bonds of kinship. They worked tirelessly, overcoming adverse conditions to cultivate expansive farmlands, signifying a collective effort and resilience that would fortify the Navatu people.
This year marks 85 years since their establishment in Tovatova, a stark contrast to their earlier exile. Despite still being unable to reclaim their ancestral lands, the Navatu have created a new legacy, paving the way for Indigenous contributions in agriculture and commerce. As Narema reflects, unity is key: “Where there is unity, God commands his blessings.” The journey of the Navatu people serves as a beacon of hope and perseverance, showcasing the transformative power of community solidarity and determination in the face of challenges.
Through their efforts, they remind us of the potential for growth and success when a community comes together, standing resilient against the tides of history.
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